August 8, 2002
MEDIA STATEMENT
The two New Zealand SAS soldiers injured in a motor vehicle accident in Afghanistan earlier this week have now been
transferred to a US military hospital in Germany.
The Chief of NZ Defence Force, Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson, said today the condition of the two men continues to be
stable.
“They are in good spirits and have spoken with their families here in New Zealand. After convalescing in Germany they
will be repatriated home to New Zealand.”
The accident happened in Afghanistan on Monday when the men were travelling in darkness as part of a convoy. Their
vehicle pulled to the side of the road to let another vehicle pass and fell down a 15m bank.
Air Marshal Ferguson has just returned from visiting Service personnel in Afghanistan including those operating with the
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul and the SAS contingent.
“They are all in good heart and serving New Zealand well. Our people are operating in a harsh and high risk environment
and are highly regarded for their work”.
ENDS